Productive activity and health in ‘retirement’ age groups in Santiago de Chile.

Emily Grundy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Eliabeth Allen, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Cecilia Albala, University of Chile
Alan Dangour, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Diana Elbourne, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

We use data on a representative sample of 2000 Chileans aged 66-68 resident in Santiago in 2006 to analyse patterns of productive activity and their correlates, including associations with mental health. 75% of sample members were engaged in at least one of four types of productive activity. Participation in paid work was among men highest for those with low levels of education and for both men and women was negatively associated with income of other household members. Help to family was strongly associated with household composition. Cross sectional analyses showed a weak indication of positive associations between productive activity and mental health. The data were collected as part of a 24 month randomised controlled trial of an intervention involving either a nutritional supplement, or a physical exercise programme, or both. Data from follow ups will be available shortly allowing a fuller investigation of possible underlying causal mechanisms.